5 Steps to Becoming a Minister
Step 1: Earn a bachelor's degree
Ministers are required tohave a deep understanding of Biblical doctrine, the role of the church, and thephilosophy and history of religion. In order to get this education, pastors arerequired to earn a bachelor's degree in religious studies, religious education,or theology. While in these programs, students take courses in the mystery ofGod, world religions, religious ethics, marriage and the church, and the Old andNew Testaments.
Step 2: Complete a master's degree
Generally, churches expect ministers to hold a master's degree indivinity in order to get employment. These programs are designed to teachstudents about the rigors of being a church leader and how to handle theresponsibility to their congregation and community. Coursework covers writingand delivering sermons, transformational leadership, theological aesthetics,conducting worship services, and political theology.
Step 3: Become ordained
In order to have religious authority in a church,aspiring ministers must undergo the ordination process. Standards for becomingordained depend on the specific religious denomination. Some churches mayrequire written or oral examinations, while others expect ministers to volunteerat the church for a certain amount of time.
Step 4: Get certified.
Earning a certification can improve your skills and makeyou a more marketable candidate. Potential certifications include certifiedapplications professional, Cloudera certified professional: data scientist, EMC:data science associate and SAS certified predictive modeler using SAS EnterpriseMiner 7.
Step 5: Obtain a license
Some states requireministers to obtain a license in order to work for a church. Licensingrequirements vary from state to state, so future ministers should find out whatis expected of them.
FAQ on Earning Your Minister Degree
Minister Salary & Job Growth
Ministry is a calling, but those who are thinking about training for this career must still consider their chances of getting a job. This section discusses the job prospects for ministers, as well as their earning potential.
PayScale details the salaries of ministers and reports that the median annual salary they command is $50,080. In addition, the site includes the following breakdown of how much these professionals earn at different stages of their career.
Entry-level ministers (0-5 years of experience) earn $38,000 per year
Mid-career ministers (5-10 years of experience) earn $49,000 per year
Experienced ministers (10-20 years of experience) earn $52,000 per year
Late-career ministers (20+ years of experience) earn $58,000 per year
According to O*NET OnLine, there will be a five to nine percent growth of jobs for ministers between 2016 and 2026, which amounts to 29,200 positions created during this time. The exact number of available minister jobs will be tied to the economy, however, as denominations are unlikely to build new churches during lean economic times.
Finding a Minister Program
Ministers have a huge responsibility to their communities, so they should get the best training available to prepare them for it. This section provides information to help those interested in training for ministry find the school that's right for them.
Students who enter degree programs have several concerns that guide their decision. Those in search of a degree want to know how much their tuition will cost. Other concerns may include how long it takes to complete a program, whether or not they can earn a certification during their time in the program, and how courses are delivered. Use the following tool to search schools by these criteria and find the program that meets your needs.
Professional Minister Associations & Groups
Being in ministry is all about community, so joining professional associations can help pastors stay connected with each other and learn skills that will make them more effective in their home churches. The following are examples of some of the organizations ministers can become a part of.
Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association
Promotes excellence in ministry, education, and collaboration among colleagues. The association offers events, mentoring services, and a library of resources.
International Ministerial Association
This association has worked to empower ministers since 1954. Offers education programs and other events.
National Association of Christian Ministers
This interdenominational Christian association provides training, leadership development, and mentoring services.
Evangel Association of Churches and Ministries
Provides networking and training to professional ministers.
National Campus Ministry Association
This group is geared toward ministers who work in a higher education setting. Members participate in an annual conference, receive a quarterly newsletter, and have access to opportunities to network with each other.
Association of Youth Ministry Educators
Dedicated to those who work in the youth ministry field. It provides an annual conference, a member directory, awards for excellence, and professional development sessions. The organization also publishes the Journal of Youth Ministry.
Federation of Christian Ministries
Provides certifications, continuing education, newsletters, and regional and national assemblies.
Association of Pastoral Ministers
Members of this organization participate in community building and networking events and education programs.
International Association of Women Ministers
Supports women in ministry by providing opportunities to network and learn.
National Association for Lay Ministry
This organization has been dedicated to the needs of those in lay ministry in the Catholic Church since 1976.
Resources for Ministers
In order to be effective in ministry, professionals should always work on sharpening their skills and knowledge. The following resources can help.
This podcast is designed to help pastors handle the challenges of working in the ministry. Includes interviews with ministers and discussions of topics ministers should consider.
Pastor Resources – The JCA Company
This site provides resources to pastors to help them be effective in their jobs.
Journal designed to equip ministers with the tools they need to lead a congregation.
Characteristics Of Effective Ministers (Colossians 1:24-19) – Bible.org
Provides Biblical advice on how to be an effective minister.
Called into Ministry? Five Questions to Ask Yourself – Credo House
This article provides advice to those considering becoming a minister.
Provides insights from ministers on how to be a successful pastor.
The 6 Core Responsibilities of a Senior Pastor OutreachMagazine.com
Outlines what is expected from senior pastors.
Discusses the responsibilities head pastors have to their staff, their congregants, and their communities.
Ministry Magazine – General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Monthly magazine for ministers that has been providing advice since 1928.
This site provides articles, podcasts, and videos for ministers.
